Catholic Officials Speak Out After Sabrina Carpenter Video
Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter has sparked outrage and disbelief among members of the Catholic community after filming a provocative music video in a church located in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.
The music video, titled "Feather," features Carpenter wearing a skimpy black dress and frolicking around the altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church amongst colored coffins and a neon cross. The 100-year-old parish was used as a backdrop for the singer's performance, which has caused an uproar among local Catholics.
Bishop Robert Brennan of Brooklyn expressed his dismay and stated that he was "appalled" by the use of the church for such a controversial video shoot. The diocese has announced that it will be launching an investigation into why the parish allowed the production team to use the church for the filming of the video.
In the video, one of the coffins is adorned with the inscription "RIP B----" and various items, such as cloths, candles, small statues, and a vase filled with what appears to be a dark liquid, are seen on the altar. The tabernacle, which holds the consecrated hosts, is hidden behind these items, and the church's statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary looks down from atop the altar.
Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, condemned the video and the disrespect shown towards Catholic symbols and iconography. He stated, "Catholics are used to having celebrities rip off their iconography. These geniuses are very much like children, though unlike the kids their motives are malicious."
The parish, however, has defended its decision to allow the video shoot on its premises, claiming that the production team had misrepresented the content of the video. They stated that they were under the impression that the shoot would be respectful and in line with the church's values and beliefs.
This incident has caused a stir not only among Catholics but also within the local community. Many have taken to social media to express their outrage and disappointment with the use of the church for such a controversial video.
Some have even questioned why the production team did not choose to film in a different location, such as a mosque, if they wanted to portray edginess and controversy. The lack of consideration for the religious sentiments of Catholics has caused many to question the level of respect shown towards their faith.
In response to the backlash, Carpenter's team has yet to make a statement. However, it is doubtful that they anticipated the extent of the backlash and the hurt caused to the Catholic community by their choice of location for the video.
As the investigation into this incident continues, it serves as a reminder of the need for sensitivity and respect towards different faiths and their sacred places. Catholics in Brooklyn and around the world are hoping for a sincere apology from the singer and her team, along with a greater understanding of the significance and sanctity of religious symbols and spaces.